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Pakistan’s military lives for this kind of tension, as this gives it budget and status, said the Indian-American journalist
Trump treated both India and Pakistan as equals, said Zakaria. Representational image
The latest military conflict with Pakistan triggered by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack displays an evolution of Indian policy, journalist and geostrategist Fareed Zakaria told CNN-News18 on Tuesday.
“India is used to doing things close to the LoC, but it has gone beyond,” he said. “The real challenge is, will it deter Pakistan?”
Pakistan’s military lives for this kind of tension, as this gives it budget and status, said the Indian-American journalist. India should make the Pakistan military pay the costs of the conflict, he added.
Speaking about US President Donald Trump inserting himself into the situation, Zakaria said, “It is difficult to tell what exactly happened…but it is clear that Trump quickly wanted to take credit (for the ceasefire) and did what he often does…before thinking and consulting his officials…And that is why his tweet and language used were taken badly in India.”
Trump treated both India and Pakistan as equals, said Zakaria. “What India worked hard for 20 years was undone in one tweet…Unfortunately, it is how Trump operates…he did the same with tariffs,” he added.
The Indian government should convey to Washington the problems it had with Trump’s approach, Zakaria said. “As PM Modi suggested, the meeting that Trump tweeted about was not true,” he added. I don’t know why the Indian government is so hesitant.”
India was attacked and still had to be restrained, said Zakaria. “You can push hard, but these groups want this,” he said. “India has the most to lose…India is growing whereas jihadi groups need conflict. It is strategically wise to do what India did. Conflict with India helps General Asim Munir to build public support around him.”
Pakistan is a failed state being run by the army, Zakaria said.
“These kinds of military ops provide you with a boost of support and unify the country,” he said. “The challenge for India is to do a careful analysis…Was it really successful? Where were the shortcomings, and what can it do better, and then think about what to do with Pakistan.”
Preparedness is important at the border, but there should be a way to reform Pakistan, he argued.
“Imran Khan became popular because he was taking on the military,” said Zakaria.
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